whooper swan

noun

1. a common, Old World swan, Cygnus cygnus, distinguished by a yellow patch at the base of its bill, noted for its whooping cry.

Word History and Origins

Origin of whooper swan¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

The whooper swan, named Hula, damaged a wing and was unable to join the annual 2,000-mile round trip from Frampton March Nature Reserve in Lincolnshire.

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Two whooper swan cygnets hatched in July but one died soon afterwards One of two cygnets bred by a pair of migratory swans has survived, creating a rare sight for UK birdwatchers.

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